Customs Commissions Classroom Block at Kirikiri Correctional Centre, Boosting Inmate Education, Rehabilitation
The Nigeria Customs Service has reinforced its commitment to social development and rehabilitation by inaugurating a newly constructed four-classroom block at the Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre in Lagos, a project officials say will expand educational access for inmates and strengthen reintegration efforts.
The facility was commissioned on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who described the initiative as part of the Service’s broader strategy to deliver people-centred interventions aligned with national development priorities and international benchmarks.
According to Adeniyi, the project was executed by the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command under the Customs Cares Initiative and reflects the agency’s determination to go beyond its statutory responsibilities. He emphasised that education remains a critical pillar in transforming lives, particularly for incarcerated individuals preparing for life after custody.
“The Nigeria Customs Service, through the Customs Cares Initiative, will continue to undertake several interventions inspired by global development goals, particularly in education, health, provision of water and support for literacy,” he stated. “This project is also in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at improving lives and promoting sustainable national development.”
The Customs chief commended Joy Edeldouk, the Assistant Comptroller-General credited with initiating the project, praising her leadership and dedication in ensuring its successful completion. He noted that such initiatives demonstrate how public institutions can collaborate to drive human capital development while addressing social challenges.
Representing the correctional authorities, Deputy Comptroller-General Amos Kupan spoke on behalf of Sylvester Nwakuche, describing the classroom block as a significant boost to rehabilitation programmes within the facility. He said the intervention highlights the value of inter-agency partnerships in advancing national development objectives.
Kupan added that improved learning infrastructure would enhance both academic and vocational training for inmates, equipping them with skills necessary for productive reintegration into society upon release. He characterised the project as a practical demonstration of corporate social responsibility and a testament to shared institutional responsibility in nation-building.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Acting Customs Area Controller Bolaji Adigun joined Edeldouk in describing the classroom block as “a symbol of hope,” noting that education remains one of the most powerful tools for personal transformation and social reintegration.
Stakeholders present at the event – including correctional officers, Customs personnel and community representatives – commended the initiative, applauding the Service for extending its impact beyond revenue generation and border enforcement to promote dignity, opportunity and social reform.
The ceremony concluded with the formal unveiling of the classroom block by the Comptroller-General, followed by a guided inspection of the facility, marking what observers described as a milestone collaboration between the Customs Service and the Nigerian Correctional Service in advancing rehabilitation through education.
